Women’s Ministry Newsletter

DECEMBER 2014

LET US GO STRAIGHT TO BETHLEHEM While driving by the mall, there was a notification that Santa Claus was coming on a certain date. It was more than a notification but rather anticipation. Children would be waiting for his arrival because it meant candy and toys and a picture with Santa. And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased” Luke 2:13, 14 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son…” John 3:1 The anticipation that God’s Son has come to be a light to the world and to be the bread of life for all who hunger is proclaimed throughout human history. His light shows us our sin and God’s way to atone for our sin. The bread is His gift of forgiveness and eternal life, which truly satisfies. His death on the cross not only destroys the works and the stronghold of the devil but also ends death caused by sin. This gift could only be given by Jesus because He alone paid for it by His blood, the sinless one becoming sin for the sinner as our substitute. As we return to Bethlehem let us remember and behold Jesus who entered human history as a baby. Jesus is our victorious Christmas gift. Come let us worship and adore Him this Christmas. MERRY CHRISTMAS Ann

Women’s Ministry NewsletterDECEMBER 2014

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• You are invited to join us on December 30 at 10:00 AM to take down the Christmas decorations in the church.

• Kerry Scheer’s talk from the Women’s Christmas event will be available by accessing the link on the WM Web page or through the Media Center. You may want to invite a few neighbors and friends over to listen to and discuss the message on joy.

Missions Women

7 December 2-4pm @ the Annex We welcome women who are interested in learning more about missions, considering short or long term mission work, or who want to encourage our missionary women. Come & join our fellowship with our missionaries!

Women Serving God in Russia The Women Serving God ministry trip in October was very fruitful and encouraging. We were able to provide women's seminars in Moscow, Pskov and the village of Strugikrasnie. It was a joy to share with women of all ages, and see their hearts for serving God and knowing Him. We met with leaders from several churches plus directors at Moscow Theological Seminary, to discuss ways we can partner and assist them in their ministries. We left behind study materials galore in every location--including the Titus 2 Woman study, which had a very enthusiastic response!

The culture is different than ours in many ways but we were not surprised to find a bond in the family of God that surpasses all cultures. Several different people explained to us that Russian people are not generally open, and are slow to smile. They said, "but once we smile, we will be smiling with you for a lifetime!" We experienced a love and kinship with these women that will indeed last into eternity!